What you need to know if the bailiffs do turn up

BAILIFFS collect only certain debts such as unpaid council tax, parking fines or county court judgments.

You can complain in writing to the company behind the action if the payment demand is unjustified

They can do so by taking some of your belongings to
cover the debt. However, they are not allowed to take essential items
such as cookers or clothes.

Generally speaking, bailiffs can enter your home
only if you invite them in or if you leave a door or a window open. You
can call the police if they try to force their way in.

If
bailiffs come to your door you are within your rights to refuse them
access. You are also within your rights to ask for related documents
such as proof of their identity, a copy of the court order saying you
owe the money and a copy of their “authorisation” to take your
possessions.

That said, it is a good idea to
arrange some sort of resolution, such as agreeing to contact the
organisation you owe the money to, otherwise you could be taken to court
for failing to co-operate.

If you hand over money, ask for proof of payment.

Debt collectors

Debt collectors chase money owed to companies and do not have the same powers as bailiffs.

They cannot, for example, enter your home or take your possessions in lieu of payment.

They can write, phone or visit your home only to talk to you about paying back the debt.

However, as with bailiffs, you can call the police should a debt collector physically threaten you.

If
you feel that a debt collector is harassing or misleading you in a bid
to make you pay, you can lodge a complaint with your local trading
standards department against the firm in question. The Office of Fair
Trading’s director of consumer credit, David Fisher, explains: “Licensed
debt collection businesses need to treat consumers fairly and provide
accurate information.”

You can also complain in writing to the company behind the action if the payment demand is unjustified.

And you can contact the relevant trade body should this not result in the action being dropped.

For financial companies, for example, the body to contact would be the Financial Ombudsman Service (0800 023 4567).